By Natalie Pohley
The Auburn Hip Hop Congress (AHHC) has been doing community work since 2009. The programs and events hosted by AHHC provide artistic and creative platforms for young people and changemakers in the community. Throughout the past thirteen years, AHHC has been busy, both behind the scenes and on the front lines, working with young people and other community members. Much of our work has been done during these recent tumultuous times. And now it’s time to re-emerge, to share what is being worked on, and to rebuild together. AHHC welcomes compassionate, creative community members to gather and share visions of a brighter future for all. It’s time to put in work so there IS a future for all.
Currently, AHHC runs and collaborates to provide the following programs:
- Writing & Reciting~ Healing Through Written & Spoken Word. Free Weekly Writing Class at the Auburn Library
- Urban Arts for Change~ Weekly workshops in the Juvenile Hall
- Game Changers~ Anti- Anti- Social Gaming Club
- Academy of BLAH (Business, Leadership, Arts, and Humanities) ~ Consulting and Tutoring for High School Age Students
- Growing Peace Camp~ All age camp focused on sharing ideas and practices of peace with young people, one of our dear friend Millee Livingston’s Legacies
- Martin Luther King Day Celebration & Gathering~ another important event brought to Auburn by Millee!
- Be the Change Talent Show~ Collaboration with AADC
- Earth Day Festival
- Dia del Los Muertos Community Remembrance~ Collaborative event with Cultural Educator and Activist, Stan Padilla
- CAP the Gaps~ Youth led Project exploring the public school and mental health systems to figure out what is wrong, why, and how we can improve
- Workshops, consulting with schools and youth groups.
AHHC is looking for people who value humanity, inclusivity, equity, progress, and justice.
- Young rappers, poets or musicians with a story to tell, or a message to share
- Media arts enthusiasts who want to connect and work on projects together
- Community members and young leaders who are frustrated with broken systems, tired of talking, and ready to work to do something!
- Community members with a gift, talent, or skill to share
- Hip Hop artists and other musicians who want to give back to the youth through workshops and mentoring.
- Crafty, artsy, world-changing grandmas!